FREE HIKE 20 Km ~ Farnham, Waverley Abbey and Frensham Ponds: A winter's trail
Details
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5 – Challenging terrain with steep climbs and descents
Join us for a scenic circular hike through some of Surrey’s most atmospheric countryside, starting and finishing at Farnham Station.
From the station, we head out towards Moor Park, following gentle riverside paths and open meadows before climbing gradually into woodland. The route then takes us past the evocative ruins of Waverley Abbey, England’s first Cistercian abbey, set in a tranquil valley beside the River Wey. Shortly afterwards, we detour to the enchanting Mother Ludlam’s Cave, where a short but steeper woodland path adds a sense of adventure.
From here, the landscape opens out as we continue towards Frensham Ponds, with sandy tracks and heathland underfoot. There are a few steady climbs and descents along the way, but nothing prolonged. We’ll pause here for a relaxed lunch break, enjoying wide views over the water and surrounding commons.
The return leg leads us through the dappled shade of Bourne Woods, where gently undulating woodland paths and occasional short inclines bring us back towards Farnham. The terrain varies throughout the day, from riverside paths and forest trails to sandy heathland tracks, offering interest without being overly demanding.
Overall, this is a picturesque and varied walk with a mix of gentle gradients and a few short, steeper sections—perfect for those who enjoy historic landmarks, woodland scenery, and open heathland, all within easy reach of Farnham.
As usual, we’ll finish with an optional pub stop before heading home.
🌟HIGHLIGHTS:
- Moor Park
- Mother Ludlam’s Cave
- Waverley Abbey
- Frensham Ponds
- Bourne Woods
✅ WHO CAN JOIN:
🧑🤝🧑 Adults aged 21 and over
👶 No children
🐾 No pets (allergies and phobias)
📅 RSVP POLICY:
Please RSVP only if you can attend, and update your response if your plans change. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may limit future sign-ups. On the day, we will check in attendees individually. Anyone who does not arrive will be marked as a no-show.
🚗🅿️💰By Car:
Limited parking available at the Farnham Railway Station Multi-Storey Car Park.
📍MEETING POINT OPTION 1 [TRAINS FROM LONDON]:
Tickets: Buy a return from London Waterloo to Farnham. £16.25 with Network Railcard discount or £24.40 without (correct at time of posting). AdrianB will be at the London Waterloo meeting point as the focal person for the group. Please coordinate with the group at the meeting point if you require Network Railcard discounted tickets.
- 08:20 Meet at London Waterloo ticket office
- 08:35 Leave meeting point to board the train
- 08:54 Train departs London Waterloo
- 9:23 Change at Woking to the 9:31 train (destination Alton)
- 09:55 Arrive at Farnham Station
Please always check before you travel for any changes.
📍 MEETING POINT OPTION 2:
🚶 WALK STARTS:
🏁 WALK FINISHES:
- Approx. 16:30 – Farnham railway station
🍔 LUNCH:
Packed lunch and snacks. Refreshments may be available at Waverley Abbey and Frensham Ponds, though options can be limited. Lunch break: approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on pace and timing.
🌳 TOILETS:
- Discreet nature stops
- Waverley Abbey Visitor Centre
- Frensham Ponds Visitor Centre
👣 Staying Together
Please keep others in sight and avoid straying too far ahead or behind. If you’re at the front, pause at junctions; if you’re at the back, stay close enough to see someone ahead. It’s everyone’s responsibility to help keep the group together. We’ll stop periodically, usually at junctions, to regroup, rest, and reconnect. Try to keep the group leader within your line of sight whenever possible.
⚠️ TERRAIN, CONDITIONS AND DIFFICULTY:
- Distance: ~20 km (12 miles, circular)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Total Ascent/Descent: 296 m / 294 m
- Maximum/Minimum Elevation: 109 m / 50 m
- Estimated Duration: ~6.5 hours (including breaks)
- Pace: ~4.5 km/h (a steady, comfortable pace suitable for conversation)
- Terrain: Steep ascents and descents, uneven paths, woodland trails, and hills
🎒WHAT TO BRING:
- Packed lunch and snacks
- At least 2 L of water
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Layers and waterproof clothing
- Sun protection / winter gear (as appropriate)
- Any personal medication and a basic first aid kit
- Fully charged phone and power bank
- Head torch
- Bring strong legs and a renewed sense of motivation to kick-start the new year.
🚂 RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON:
Regular trains run from Farnham to London Waterloo via Guildford or Woking.
📞 CONTACT:
Message the event host Vickie directly via Meetup with any questions.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
By joining, you confirm that you’ve read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.